A Shih Tzu Dog: All You Need To Know

by RebeccaSim
So you and your family have decided that you are ready to bring a Shih Tzu into your home and live with your. You have a nice home and plenty of love to give and that is all you need to know when picking a dog, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case, as many different types of dogs have different types of personality. If you select the wrong dog, you may have a situation you did not expect to happen. It is best to know what to expect before selecting a puppy.

The best thing that you can do to make sure that the expectations you have for your dog match and compare that to what the Shih Tzu dog will be able to give based on their personality. It is best to really sit down and think about your lifestyle and how much time you will have to devote one-on-one attention and time to your Shih Tzu dog. Some breeds of dogs require more attention then others so this is something you really must consider.

Write out a list of what would and would not be acceptable from your dog; after putting together your list of things that are and are not okay in a dog it is time to compare them to the typical personality of the Shih Tzu dog. At first glance, you already noticed that this dog is a small breed and even with their size, they are extremely sturdy animals. These dogs generally carry themselves with a dignified presence about them although they do remain happy and playful.

Something that makes these breeds so wonderful for certain people is that they do not require a lot of exercise and they are not as yappy as one may expect from toy breeds. And there is generally little or no fear of strangers or other animals, which makes the Shih Tzu dog a companion that is social and friendly. This proud dog does carry with them many qualities in their personality, which would make them a wonderful addition to your family.
But if you are looking for a breed that will not be prone to a lot of problems, which can require costly vet bills, then this breed may not be for you. The Shih Tzu dog is prone to many things but problems with their breathing are often the most noted issue. Because of their face structure and upturned nose, the Shih Tzu’s have a lot of breathing problems which can unfortunately lead to heatstroke if they are in hot and humid weather for too long.

Even though those beautiful, large, and shallow eyes are amazing to look into, they are very much at risk for infection and eye injuries. Disk problems also generally occur in these breeds because of their long backs and their joints are often times a cause of a lot of pain for them. The Shih Tzu dog is also known to have a variety of skin and kidney problems. So, in thinking of whether or not a Shih Tzu dog is right for you, consider all the good and bad and think hard about if they are truly a good fit for you and your home.

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Rebecca Simpson brings to this article extensive knowledge, love, and compassion for the Shih Tzu dog breed and aims to make sure that potential owners know exactly what to expect with their new dog. The Shih Tzu comes with not only a great deal of positive qualities, but some important issues as well. Everyone who is considering bringing this dog into their home should think about both the pros and the cons. Reading up on different Shih Tzu information is an important step in making sure that you know everything there is about your Shih Tzu dog not only before you bring him home, but after as well.